Personal care applicator assembly

ABSTRACT

An applicator includes a product-dispensing cartridge assembly insertable within a shell, and a separate, decorative case that covers at least a portion of the shell. A cap closes off the open upper end of the shell through a magnetic attachment. The cartridge assembly includes a product cartridge, threaded jackscrew and riser. The jackscrew includes lever and a knob that fits onto the lever, such that when the knob is rotated, the riser slides up and down within the cartridge to advance and retract the product. The cap, case and knob may have outer side surfaces that are flush, at least when the knob is at particular degrees of rotation. The product to be administered is a preferably a waxy or semi-solid such as a lip balm, deodorant or other cosmetic or personal hygiene or protective product.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/128,019, filed Dec. 19, 2020. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/554,104, filed Aug. 28, 2019. The entire content of all related applications is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to personal care and, in particular, to an applicator assembly for dispensing lip balm and other personal care products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many applicators for personal care products such as lip balm, deodorants, salves, and so forth. However, these applicators come in factory-made housings that may be unattractive to the consumer.

While there are many decorative “cases” for personal care products such as Chap-Stick®, the product itself is nevertheless taken from the case and used in the conventional manner.

The need remains, therefore, for a personal care applicator that integrates a product cartridge with an outer shell or housing, enabling a user to refill a more decorative housing with a product of their choosing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention resides in an applicator for various products, including personal care products such as lip balm, deodorant, cosmetics, and so forth. The invention is not limited in this regard so long as the product is a semi-solid such as a waxy or stiff material that generally retains its shape between applications.

The applicator is a multi-part applicator comprising a tubular shell with inner and outer surfaces and open upper and lower ends. A removeable and replaceable product-dispensing cartridge assembly is insertable within the shell, and a separate case covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the shell. A cap closes off the open upper end of the shell.

The cartridge assembly includes a product cartridge, jackscrew and riser. The cartridge has inner and outer surfaces, an open upper end and a lower end with an opening. The elongated, threaded jackscrew is inserted into the lower opening of the cartridge. The threaded riser that engages with the threaded jackscrew and slides up and down within the cartridge as the jackscrew is turned in opposing directions.

The jackscrew includes a lower end with a lever that remains outside of the cartridge when the jackscrew is inserted into the cartridge, and a knob fits onto the lever, such that when the knob is rotated, a product to be administered above the riser is dispensed or retracted.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the cap attaches to the shell through a magnetic connection. The magnetic connection may include a first magnet disposed within the cap and a second magnet disposed on the shell. The first magnet may be coupled to an insert disposed within the cap. The applicator may include a plurality of removeable and replaceable cases to provide different decorative outward appearances.

The shell may include an upper protruding rim with an outer surface and a lower edge, and the case may have an upper edge that abuts against the lower edge of the protruding rim. At least a portion of the inner surface of the cap may slidingly engage with the outer surface of the rim.

The knob may be removeable and replaceable, and the cap, case and knob may have outer side surfaces that are flush, at least when the knob is at particular degrees of rotation. The product to be administered is a preferably a waxy or semi-solid such as a lip balm, deodorant or other cosmetic or personal hygiene or protective product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an outer shell assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an inner cartridge assembly according to the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a detail perspective drawing that shows a magnet assembly;

FIG. 4A is a perspective drawing that shows how a knob is coupled to a rotating jackscrew;

FIG. 4B is a different view that depicts a knob coupling;

FIG. 5A is a side cross section that illustrated internal components;

FIG. 5B is a side view that shows a clean ornamental appearance;

FIG. 6 a different side view depicting internal components; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of finished product in condition for consumer use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Before making reference to the accompanying drawings, the table below provides a list of major components according to numerical references.

No. Component 100 Outer Shell Assembly without Cartridge Assembly 102 Lid 104 Lid Insert 106a Upper Lid Retention Magnet 106b Lower Lid Retention Magnet 107 Inner Sleeve Upper Rim 109 Upper Rim Lower Edge 105 Lower Magnet Retention Groove 108 Inner Sleeve 110 Case 112 Rotator Knob 200 Cartridge Assembly 202 Riser 206 Jackscrew 204 Cartridge 207 Jackscrew Lever 113 Groove/Cavity/Recess in Knob

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an outer shell assembly 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The outer shell assembly 100 comprises an inner sleeve 108 that is inserted onto an outer case 110. The outer surface of sleeve 108 is configured to receive the case 110 in sliding engagement.

In the preferred embodiment, the upper end of the sleeve 108 includes a rim 107. This configuration serves multiple purposes. First, the lower edge 109 of the rim 107 acts as a stop to which the upper edge 111 of the case 110 abuts. The rim 107 also provides an inner edge 105 that assists with placement of a lower portion 106 a of a magnetic closure assembly 106. The upper portion 106 a of the magnetic closure is coupled to a lid insert 104 that is installed into a cap 102.

When the user wishes to close the lid 102, they simply place it over the top lip of the inner sleeve 108, and the lid 102 remains in place via magnetic retention from the magnet assembly 106. Alternatively, mechanical latches or frictional cooperation may be used to hold the cap in place, with or without hinges, and/or with or without magnets. For example, with larger contents such as deodorants, the cap may simply pull on and off using friction, detents, threads or the like in between uses.

The magnets 106 a, b are glued or otherwise bonded to the lid insert 104 and upper inner edge of rim 107 on outer sleeve 108. As perhaps best seen in FIG. 5A, the lower, inner surface of cap 102 below upper magnet 106 a slides against the outer surface of the rim 107, with the magnets 106 a, b being attached about halfway up the cap 102. This provides an added degree against accidental cap removal, as the cap must be pulled straight off to disengage the magnets.

The inner sleeve 108 also acts as a housing for a cartridge assembly 200, shown in FIG. 2. The cartridge assembly comprises a cartridge 204, riser 202, and jackscrew 206 with lever 206. The riser 202 is inserted into the cartridge body 204 from the top, and the jackscrew 206 is inserted into the cartridge body 204 through an opening in the bottom of the cartridge body 204. The riser 202 is internally threaded to engage with the threads of the jackscrew 206. When the jackscrew is actuated, the riser 202 moves up (i.e., clockwise) or down (i.e., counter-clockwise) to advance or retract the product back into the cartridge (and outer shell), thereby protecting unused product if the knob is over-advanced.

Jackscrew 206 is rotated with a knob 112 that slides onto the lever portion 207 of the jackscrew 206, and remains in position via friction and/or nipple/dimple retention. As shown in FIGS. 4A, B, the lower end of the jackscrew 206 includes an outwardly protruding lever portion 207 which is received by a slot or cavity 113 in control knob 112. While the knob may be permanently attached to the lever 207, the knob is preferably removable and replaceable using any suitable coupling mechanism such as projections/detents.

The lever 207 is preferably rotated counter-clockwise to lower the riser 202 to the bottom of the cartridge body 204. The empty void that remains inside the cartridge body 204 above the riser 202 may then be filled with a product, preferably a semi-solid or waxy substance such as lip balm, though other products such as deodorants, sun-tanning/protection and other personal hygiene products. The invention is not limited in terms of the product dispensed, though hard solids and fluid materials are discouraged.

The inner sleeve 108, case 110, and cartridge 204 are preferably elongated and have the same cross-sectional shape, such as rectangular with slightly rounded corners, as shown. An outer case with flat sides such as square or rectangular is preferred for a couple reasons. First, such a shape does not roll away if dropped, and secondly, with a conformal knob as described elsewhere herein, such shapes tend to prevent inadvertent turning of the knob. Nevertheless, sleeve 108, case 110, and cartridge may alternatively have other cross-sectional shapes such as circular, oval, polygonal, star-shaped, or irregular as design or manufacturing concerns dictate.

In terms of materials and dimensions, the entire assembly, including the outer shell and cartridge may be made of plastic, though other material such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and so forth may be used for some or all of the various components. For dispensing lip balm, lip sticks and the like, the assembly may be 1 to 4 inches tall or thereabouts, with side-to-side dimensions in the range of ⅜ to 1 inch. For deodorants and larger skin application areas, the length may be 2 to 6 inches, more or less, with side-to-side dimensions in the range of ¾ to 2 inches.

While it may be possible to construct the applicator with fewer pieces, the use of an inner shell, outer case and cartridge assembly offers distinct advantages. As one advantage, the preferred assembly facilitates decorative aspects. A separate case enables different outward design elements to be presented without changing the construction of the inner sleeve. A separate inner sleeve with a lip 107 provides mechanical features for improved magnet retention while allowing the cap to be installed and removed by axial pushing and pulling. Further, in the preferred embodiments, the sides of the cap, case and knob have surfaces that are flush for a clean, streamlined appearance, and the use of a separate inner sleeve and outer case assists with this design goal. The use of a separate cartridge assembly allows cartridges pre-filled with product to be loaded directly into an inner sleeve regardless of the case configuration.

Indeed, it is anticipated that the cartridge assembles would be made available in pre-loaded form, with contents ready for use. As such, a user would purchase a cartridge with desired contents and load the same into their applicator on a repetitive basis as the contents are used up. The same shell may be used with different ingredients if the user wishes to try different product formulations over time.

It is also anticipated that multiple different components may be provided for varied, desired decorative effects. For example, different removeable and replaceable cases may be provided, with or without matching caps or knobs. It is further anticipated that a predetermined rotation of the knob advances the product to be administered by a desired amount. For example, in the case of lip balm, a rotation of 90 or 180 degrees might advance the product by ⅛″ to ¼″ or thereabouts so as to be useful without interfering with cap replacement. A rotation of 90 or 180 degrees is desirable since the flush surfaces of the knob would remain flush with the outer surfaces of the case to retain a desired streamlined appearance. 

1. An applicator, comprising: a tubular shell having inner and outer surfaces and open upper and lower ends; a cap that closes off the open upper end of the shell; an outer, tubular case that fits over at least a portion of the outer surface of the shell; a cartridge configured for installation within the shell, the cartridge having inner and outer surfaces, an open upper end and a lower end with an opening; an elongated, threaded jackscrew insertable into the lower opening of the cartridge; a threaded riser that engages with the threaded jackscrew and slides up and down within the cartridge as the jackscrew is turned in opposing directions; wherein the jackscrew includes a lower end with a lever that remains outside of the cartridge when the jackscrew is inserted into the cartridge; and a knob that fits onto the lever, such that when the knob is rotated, a product to be administered above the riser is dispensed or retracted.
 2. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the cap attaches to the shell through a magnetic connection.
 3. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the magnetic connection includes a first magnet disposed within the cap and a second magnet disposed on the shell.
 4. The applicator of claim 3, wherein the first magnet is coupled to an insert disposed within the cap.
 5. The applicator of claim 1, including a plurality of removeable and replaceable cases to provide different decorative outward appearances.
 6. The applicator of claim 1, wherein: the shell includes an upper protruding rim with an outer surface and a lower edge; and the case has an upper edge that abuts against the lower edge of the protruding rim.
 7. The applicator of claim 6, wherein: the cap has an inner surface; and at least a portion of the inner surface of the cap slidingly engages with the outer surface of the rim.
 8. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the knob is removeable and replaceable.
 9. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the cap, case and knob have outer side surfaces that are flush, at least when the knob is at particular degrees of rotation.
 10. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the product to be administered is a waxy or semi-solid.
 11. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the product to be administered is a lip balm.
 12. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the product to be administered is a deodorant or cosmetic product. 